😷RSV, the Flu, and COVID-19

A Message from Your Provider

During this time of year, you may get some text messages about lab work and other tests that are due. This is to help make sure you are up to date on tests that are important for preventative care. Please take the time to get these tests done as soon as you’re able.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call your primary care clinic.

Caring for A Loved One with RSV

Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) is a common breathing virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people will get well in a week or two, but it can be more serious in infants and older adults.

Symptoms of RSV infection mostly include:

• Runny nose
• Feeling less hungry than normal
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

For now, there is no right treatment for RSV. However, most symptoms will improve at home:

• Control fever and pain with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
• Drink a lot of fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child cold medicines that were not prescribed (ordered) by your provider. Some medicines have ingredients that are not good for children.

If you or your child are having a hard time breathing, not able to drink enough fluids, or if your symptoms get worse, please call the Nurse Advice Line at (844) 804-0055. In case of an emergency please call 911 or go to the Emergency Room. To learn about symptoms and how to take care of your child at home visit Symptoms and Care of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) | CDC.

National Influenza Vaccination week Dec 5-11

National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination week happens during the first week of December. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get their flu shot this year. The flu shot is key in preventing the flu. Don’t let a myth about the flu shot keep you from getting vaccinated!

• Myth: I had the vaccine and still got the flu, so it doesn’t work

Fact: Many flu viruses are around us all the time, which is why people may still get the flu even after being vaccinated since the vaccine is specific to one strain. However, being vaccinated improves the chance of being protected from the flu.

• Myth: I am pregnant so shouldn’t get the flu vaccine

Fact: Pregnant women should especially get the flu vaccine since their immune systems are weaker than usual. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy. 

• Myth: The flu vaccine can give me the flu

Fact: The injected flu vaccine has an inactivated virus that cannot give you influenza. If you feel achy or with a fever, it is a normal response of the immune system to the vaccine. This often lasts only a day or two. 

If you are ready to get your flu shot, you can get it quickly and simply at your local facility. Ask about getting vaccinated during your next primary care visit, specialty care visit, or Urgent Care visit. Your local facility may also offer express walk-up vaccine clinics that do not need an appointment. If you would like to make an appointment, you can do it online through the LA Health Portal: https://bit.ly/LAHealthFightFluAppointments or by calling your clinic.

COVID Booster

The CDC advises for people ages 5 and older to get the updated COVID-19 booster shot. This new booster will protect you from the Omicron variant. You can get a booster shot if:

• You have completed the primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine, AND
• It has been 2 or more months from your last COVID-19 vaccine

All people ages 6 months and older, should still get the primary series if they have not done so yet.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines read here.

World AIDS Day

December 1st is recognized globally as World AIDS Day. People around the world show support for those living with HIV/AIDS, and honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. At LA Health Services, our Positive Care/HIV medical practice is dedicated to patients living with HIV.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The first step to treating HIV is early care. This means getting tested on a regular basis. While HIV cannot be cured, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives with the right medicine.

Talk to your primary care doctor about getting tested for HIV, and visit Positive Care/HIV - Health Services Los Angeles County (lacounty.gov) for more information.

International Day of Persons with Disability

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This day focuses on the rights of people living with disabilities so they can fully, and effectively take part in society with others. At LA Health Services, we offer a variety of specialty care rehabilitation services like Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and many others.

Transportation services are also available to LA Health Services patients! Patients with Medi-Cal through L.A. Care and Health Net may be able to get transportation to their next appointment at no cost. You may also be able to get rides through Access, a public transportation agency that gives rides for people with disabilities in Los Angeles County. Visit Transportation - Health Services Los Angeles County (lacounty.gov) to arrange your next ride.

International Volunteer Day December 5^th

Volunteers make a difference! During this time of the year, volunteer spaces may fill up quickly, so be sure to check in with your local shelters and food pantries early!

If your 2023 New Year’s resolution is to volunteer more, LA Health Services offers long-term volunteering opportunities for all 18 years and older. Visit Volunteer Services - Health Services Los Angeles County (lacounty.gov) to find a Volunteer Office close to you.

National Handwashing Awareness Week

National Handwashing Awareness week takes place from December 5th through December 11th. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean water can help prevent the spread of germs. Germs spread diseases like the common cold, influenza (flu), and COVID-19.  Here are a few key reminders for keeping your hands clean:

• Wash your hands often, mainly when they are dirty, and before eating
• Avoid coughing and sneezing straight into your hands. Always try to cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
• Don't touch your face. Avoid putting your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands using these 5 easy steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry.

Healthcare at your Fingertips

You can now join online video visits, and eVisits and get important information from your clinic by text. Here’s why patients love it:

• Video Visits: Over 90% of patients who had a video visit have said that joining their visit was easy and they would want to have another video visit in the future.
• eVisits: Since it started in January, hundreds of patients sent eVisits through the LA Health Portal. They were able to get the care they need without an in-person appointment.
• Patient Text Messaging: Many patients think text reminders and messages are helpful and saves time. Patients are thankful for appointment reminders and like that they can quickly find their clinic’s information through the links

Don’t wait, download the LA Health Portal app today!